Tcow #3

[Andy]

Originally Posted by Manny A

Why would the PU feel he needs to chase F2 all the way back to third to watch for the tag? If this were a return throw from F2 to F5 on the retreating R1, wouldn't that be the BU's responsibility?

Maybe I'm wrong, but if I were the BU here, as soon as I saw R1 start to head back to third base when the throw came in, I would tell my PU partner, "I'VE GOT THIRD!" I've already button-hooked into the infield between second and third base to watch R2's tag-up, so I already have a good angle to watch the play going back to third base.

Lead runner at third is the PU responsibility, strictly speaking. If the BU takes the runner coming back to third, that puts two umpires on one runner and no umpires covering the other runner(s).

There is nothing wrong with the BU having eyes on the play while covering the other runners, and able to provide help if asked, but the BU primary responsibility is the trail runners.